Richmond coach Damien Hardwick expects the Tigers to make the finals next year after a disappointing 2016 season.

Despite suffering a third successive elimination final loss last year, Richmond had high expectations going into this season.

But with just two rounds remaining, the Tigers are in 13^th place on the league ladder, four wins out of the top eight.

Hardwick, however, expressed confidence in Richmond’s capacity to qualify for September action in 2017.

"I personally think it'll be a quick bounce. I think we'll be back in finals next year," Hardwick told Fox Footy on Monday night.

"I'd be disappointed if we're not in finals next year.

"Winning finals is the thing we're about. We haven't been successful thus far . . . but (with) the potential I see and the players we've got, (if) we get all our personnel on (the) track, we're going to be playing finals next year."

Meanwhile, Hardwick was emphatic when asked if Trent Cotchin would remain as the Tigers’ captain beyond this season . . .

"Absolutely, no question," he replied.